Donna Elaine Jensen

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Donna Elaine Williams Jensen was born May 22 1931 to J Thomas Williams and Thelda Mourine Jackson Williams. She was the eldest of 7 children, then Darrel, Yvonne, Bruce, Tom, Sharon and Liz. She was born in Archer, Idaho. She was raised in Treasureton, Idaho until she was eight years old, then her family moved to Hamer Idaho. She attended most of her schooling in Hamer and was a member of the last class to graduate from Hamer High School.

She attended Ricks College and received her associates degree. She began her teaching career in Rigby, Idaho. Then she taught in Spencer, Idaho. She met the love of her life at a dance in Spencer, Vernon Fred Jensen Sr. After a short courtship, they were married August 3, 1952 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They lived in Spencer, Idaho, Glen, Montana, Hamer, Rexburg and retired in Rigby Idaho.

They were blessed to be parents to Fred William, Shawna Anne and Vernon Fred Jensen Jr. They also raised three grandsons from the time they were little, Brandon Fred, Michael Vernon and Derrick William Jensen. Vernon and Donna loved their family and spent time camping and fishing. These were very happy times for them. They found great joy being parents and grandparents together.

Donna started her teaching career only needing an Associate's Degree, but in 1968 the state of Idaho required a Bachelor's, so she went back to school. Juggling, family, teaching and going to school was a challenge for her, but one she accomplished. She had two children and was pregnant when she received her diploma of Bachelor of Arts from Idaho State University.

Donna taught school for 35 years. She taught in Rigby, Spencer, Terreton, Hamer and Roberts. She finished her last 20 years in Robert, Idaho Elementary. She built lifelong friendships with her colleagues and helped many children learn to read.

Donna was very close with her sisters, sister-in-laws and her brothers. She loved spending time with them and has maintained a special relationship with them that always meant so much to her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Darrel and Tom, sisters, Yvonne and Sharon. Her husband of 65 years, Vernon, grandson, Brandon, son-in-law Travis Madsen and a great-granddaughter, Lucy Jane Hansen.

She is survived by her children, Fred (Liz) Jensen, Shawna Madsen, Vernon Jr. (Cindy). Michael (Stephanie) and Derrick (Hayley). 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren. Brother Bruce (Leona) and sister Liz Pennell. Sister-in-laws Doris McFarland and Berneice Cherry.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Rigby LDS 22nd Ward Chapel, (401 East 1st South, Rigby, ID). The family will meet with friends at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Interment will be in the West Jefferson Cemetery.